Iran–U.S. talks prospects Al Arabiya interviews al-Fak

Sep 22

Al Arabiya reports U.S. officials leaving open a Trump–Pezeshkian meeting if it would produce a positive result. Iran specialist Masoud al-Fak compares the prospect with the 2015 nuclear deal, recalls Karroubi’s call to overcome political taboos and discusses possible airline restrictions and economic pressure. His blockade analysis and assessment of Iran’s political doctrine are opinions; the interview does not confirm a meeting or an implemented air blockade.

During the September 22 UN visit, Al Arabiya cites a U.S. official via CNN saying Trump told advisers a meeting with Iranian officials could happen if conditions permitted. It also cites Rubio telling Fox that Trump was open to meeting President Masoud Pezeshkian if a positive result was possible. In the studio, Masoud al-Fak examines Iranian political resistance to direct contact, Karroubi's appeal for negotiations and economic pressure, while leaving the prospect uncertain. Tagesschau also presented a possible meeting; ABC stressed that none was scheduled. Fox's later discussion said no presidential meeting took place that day, although separate envoy-level talks occurred. No presidential meeting or agreement is established. Oman TV also relays an unnamed Iranian official's Reuters account that the UN delegation has authority to revive diplomatic channels but the Iranian president will not meet Trump at UN headquarters. In a separate return, Rubio says the United States is open to talks on the UN sidelines, that nothing is scheduled, and that any meeting should produce a positive result toward preventing an Iranian nuclear weapon. These are distinct Iranian and U.S. positions, without a scheduled presidential encounter.